After the loss to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, Matthew Stafford mentioned that he needs some time to weigh his options.
This is a significant decision—Stafford could either remain with the Rams, aim for another Super Bowl appearance, or he might even think about retirement, bringing his impressive 17-year career to a close.
But, it raises the question: is there more beneath the surface?
Could Stafford be angling for a more lucrative contract?
If so, staying with the Rams definitely has its advantages. With him, they remain competitors for the Super Bowl. If they can sort out their special teams, they could even head into the next season as front-runners.
In his absence, however, the Rams would still be a decent team but would lack stability in a critical position. They certainly wouldn’t compare favorably to many others in the league.
Indeed, there’s an obligation for them to collaborate in the new agreement, assuming that’s the route Stafford is pursuing.
Several sources within the league hinted that he might be using this uncertainty to his advantage, pressuring the Rams to negotiate a new contract that could increase the $42 million he’s set to earn in 2026.
Speaking of pay raises, Stafford has a strong case. He had a standout regular season, performing well enough to be a contender for the league MVP award.
When you look at the $42 million slated for him next year, it really pales in comparison to many of his peers. This amount positions him as the 16th highest-paid quarterback next year.
For instance, quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts will make $53.1 million and $51 million, respectively, while Kyler Murray and Deshaun Watson follow at $46 million, and Kirk Cousins will earn $45 million.
Even Dak Prescott’s $60 million is a considerable jump.
If you’re Stafford, coming off a season with a league-high 46 touchdowns and over 4,400 passing yards, it’s hard not to feel you deserve a raise, right?
This scenario might put him and the Rams in a similar position to last year, when negotiations for a contract extension took a hit. Remember, the Rams allowed Stafford to explore potential trades to assess his market, leading to attractive offers from teams like the Raiders and Giants.
Those negotiations ultimately resulted in Stafford’s two-year, $84 million extension that runs through the 2026 season.
He has already pocketed $42 million, with an additional $40 million set to become guaranteed in a few weeks.
Compared to what other quarterbacks earn, Stafford’s contract is quite modest.
He’s aware of that, as are the Rams, who face challenges finding a suitable replacement.
The backup, Jimmy Garoppolo, hasn’t been in a critical game for two seasons. The free agent market? It’s filled with uncertainty and question marks.
Unless they consider options like Marcus Mariota or Malik Willis.
Are there trade options? Sure, but they often come with hefty price tags and risks.
Players like Tagovailoa, Murray, and Watson could fit that description. But, no thanks.
The Rams are strong contenders for the Super Bowl, but they need Stafford back to stay in that position.
This may require an investment from owner Stan Kroenke—perhaps starting at $50 million.
